Understanding the different types of carpets is essential whether you are renovating your home, moving into a new one, or simply looking to refresh your interior. Carpets add warmth, comfort, and can complement the aesthetic of any room. However, with so many carpet options available, selecting the right type can be a hard task.
At Matt Britton, we’re carpet experts, so to help you navigate through the vast amount of choices, were going to explain the various types of carpets available to you.
Loop pile carpets, such as those found in our Knightsbridge Inspire range, are a popular and durable flooring option characterized by their unique construction. In this style, the carpet fibres are looped into the backing, creating a smooth surface that’s resistant to crushing and matting. This method of construction enhances the durability of the carpet, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas in homes and commercial spaces. The loops can also vary in size and height, offering a range of textures and styles. Moreover, loop pile carpets are known for their ability to hide dirt and footprints, making them an ideal and low-maintenance option for busy settings.
Cut pile carpets are created when the looped fibres of the carpet are cut, leaving individual yarn strands standing upright. This type of carpet offers a more traditional look, with a plush, soft feel underfoot. Cut pile carpets come in various styles, including plush, Saxony, and frieze, each offering different levels of twist and texture. While they are comfortable and luxurious, they may show footprints and vacuum tracks more readily than loop pile carpets, so they would be best suited for areas with less foot traffic, like bedrooms or dining rooms.
Next up, Cut and loop pile carpets. This type is very distinctive as it combines two different types of yarn piles – cut pile and loop pile – to create a unique texture and design. The cut pile sections are sheared to create a soft, plush surface, while the loop pile sections remain uncut, offering a more durable surface. The varied surface not only adds visual interest but also provides a practical benefit in terms of durability and comfort underfoot.
Now, wool is one of the most luxurious and resilient carpet fibres, known for its softness and natural beauty. Wool carpets, which you can find in our Vogue Wilton Herringbone and Knightsbridge Indulgent collections, are durable, naturally stain-resistant, and have excellent insulating properties, making them ideal for milder climates. They are also inherently flame-retardant and hypoallergenic, providing a safe and comfortable home environment.
Linen carpets, known for their natural elegance, are crafted from the fibres of the flax plant, contributing to their eco-friendly appeal. These carpets are celebrated for their durability, making them a long-lasting addition to both residential and commercial spaces. Linen’s natural properties also contribute to its hypoallergenic nature, providing a healthier indoor environment. Available in a variety of weaves and colours, our Linen n Wool collection seamlessly blends with wool and any décor, offering a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic.
Sisal carpets are made from the fibres of the sisal plant, known for their durability, strength, and ability to retain their shape. These qualities make sisal carpets ideal for high-traffic areas in a home or office. On the other hand, jute carpets are crafted from the jute plant and are slightly softer and more pliable than sisal. Jute carpets add a warm and organic feel to any space, making them perfect for bedrooms and living areas where comfort is a priority. Despite their differences, both sisal and jute carpets are eco-friendly and are guaranteed to add a natural, rustic charm to interior spaces.
Lastly, we have Polypropylene. Also known as olefin, polypropylene carpets are another synthetic option that offers excellent stain and moisture resistance. These carpet types, found in our Ultimate Twist range, are often used in outdoor settings or in areas of the home that are prone to spills, such as kitchens, dining rooms or playrooms. Polypropylene carpets are resilient and do well to mimic the appearance of wool carpets at a lower cost.
The best type of carpet depends largely on the specific needs and preferences of an individual or a household. For those looking for durability and longevity, nylon or linen carpets are often considered the top choice due to their strong fibres that can withstand heavy foot traffic and resist stains well. If comfort and luxury are a priority, however, wool carpets might be the better option, known for their softness and natural ability to regulate humidity. For people with allergies or environmental concerns, carpets made from natural fibres like sisal or jute can be appealing. But ultimately, the best carpet type balances the intended room’s aesthetics, usage, maintenance requirements, and budget.
Selecting the carpet material for your home involves understanding the unique attributes of each. From the durable elegance of loop pile and the luxurious softness of cut pile to the natural charm of wool, linen, sisal, and jute carpets, as well as the synthetic practicality of polypropylene, there’s a carpet option for you.
Explore our range of luxury carpets, order your free samples or book an appointment with our in-store experts today!
